Exodus 28:26
And thou shalt make two rings of gold, and thou shalt put them upon the two ends of the breastplate in the border thereof, which is in the side of the ephod inward.
Original Language Analysis
וְעָשִׂ֗יתָ
And thou shalt make
H6213
וְעָשִׂ֗יתָ
And thou shalt make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 17
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
טַבְּע֣וֹת
rings
H2885
טַבְּע֣וֹת
rings
Strong's:
H2885
Word #:
3 of 17
properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e., signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind
זָהָ֔ב
of gold
H2091
זָהָ֔ב
of gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
4 of 17
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
וְשַׂמְתָּ֣
and thou shalt put
H7760
וְשַׂמְתָּ֣
and thou shalt put
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
5 of 17
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
אֹתָ֔ם
H853
אֹתָ֔ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַחֹ֑שֶׁן
of the breastplate
H2833
הַחֹ֑שֶׁן
of the breastplate
Strong's:
H2833
Word #:
10 of 17
perhaps a pocket (as holding the urim and thummim), or rich (as containing gems), used only of the gorget of the highpriest
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
שְׂפָת֕וֹ
in the border
H8193
שְׂפָת֕וֹ
in the border
Strong's:
H8193
Word #:
12 of 17
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
13 of 17
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עֵ֥בֶר
thereof which is in the side
H5676
עֵ֥בֶר
thereof which is in the side
Strong's:
H5676
Word #:
15 of 17
properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
Historical Context
Inner rings, while invisible to observers, were structurally critical. They prevented the breastplate from pulling away during movement, ensuring the tribes remained 'close to the heart' throughout service.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'hidden connections' (inner rings) does Christ maintain with you that others don't see?
- How do both visible and invisible securities keep you 'close to His heart'?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Two additional gold rings secure the breastplate's bottom corners on its inner side (toward the ephod). While upper rings connected outwardly to shoulders, these lower rings create inward connection. This dual attachment (upper and lower) prevents shifting during service. The inner placement suggests hidden securities—not all of God's provision for stability is visible. Some connections between us and Christ are private, known only to Him and us.